Most have heard the story recorded in Mark 5 about Jesus casting the demons out of the man and into the herd of pigs. It is a clear example of Jesus’ power over evil, but there is another part of the story I think is important for us.

Mark 5:18-20 writes, “As Jesus was getting into the boat, the man who had been demon possessed begged to go with him. But Jesus said, “No, go home to your family, and tell them everything the Lord has done for you and how merciful he has been.” So the man started off to visit the Ten Towns of that region and began to proclaim the great things Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed at what he told them.”

Jesus told the man to go and tell about what God has done for him. What about us? How often have we prayed for safety for ourselves or loved ones when traveling, or prayed for resolution of a medical problem, relief from a financial challenge, or success in our business, or other requests that have come to pass. Do we go and tell others the great things God has done for us, or do we attribute it to chance?

To start the process, I want to tell all of you how great God is to protect and provide great adventures to me, my wife, and my children last week as we were separated in 5 different places around the country, but all returned safely home with great experiences and memories. Praise the Lord!

Dear Lord, you protect, provide for, and save us every day. Help us remember to tell everyone what you have done for us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Often times when our friends, or family members worry or are anxious, we might tell them “don’t worry, it will all be fine,” or something similar. I read recently that people with a more controlling personality find these type of comments frustrating. In their view, they cannot stop worrying about it unless they know how it is being handled. The solution to reassuring this type of person, according to this report, is to give a reason not to worry. For instance, “don’t worry, I am sure you will get a good grade, because you studied, reviewed, and were prepared,” or “don’t worry about your teenager that is out on his/her own, because he or she is responsible, and is with a good group of friends.” The clear reasons not to worry seem to help.

Paul writes in Philippians 4:6,7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

What he is saying should give all personality types comfort, “don’t worry, ask God and be thankful, knowing that he has it under control. When you do, you will be able to have the peace that trusting God offers.”

Dear Lord, Help us remember that we can give our worries and anxieties to you, and know that you have control over all things. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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How blessed those of us are whose parents brought us up to know Jesus Christ. Think of how it might have been if our parents did not lead us to our Savior. Who would have? How would we hear the story? Would we accept it? For those who came to Christ outside of their family, do you remember who invited you, and why you opened yourself up to Jesus?”

Paul describes these questions in Romans 10:14-15, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Most of us may be reluctant to witness, but to overcome that reluctance, think about how wonderful it would be to be the person who helped someone else become saved.

Dear Lord, thank you for those that helped us come to know and believe in you. Help us to have the courage to help someone else come to be saved. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

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I think we all encounter situations where people we know in our churches, workplaces, or family complain and expect the worst, using one small negative experience as an excuse to expect everything that follows to be terrible. I call it the Chicken Little mentality, after the children’s story about the chicken who was convinced that the sky was falling because one acorn fell on his head.

The solution is to put our focus and faith on God.

This situation occurs in the book of Exodus, while the Jews are leaving Egypt, and Pharaoh’s armies are chasing them. Exodus 14:11-14 says, “And they turned against Moses, whining, “Have you brought us out here to die in the desert because there were not enough graves for us in Egypt? Why did you make us leave Egypt? Isn’t this what we told you, while we were slaves, to leave us alone? We said it would be better to be slaves to the Egyptians than dead in the wilderness.” But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand where you are and watch, and you will see the wonderful way the Lord will rescue you today. The Egyptians you are looking at—you will never see them again. The Lord will fight for you, and you won’t need to lift a finger!”

The subsequent verses tell the story of the parting of the Red Sea and destruction of Egypt’s armies.

One leader, with his faith in God, overcame their Chicken Little mentality.

Dear Lord, help us be the faithful leaders in our churches, families, and workplaces that overcome the fears and negativity over others by putting our trust in you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

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You probably know the story of Cain and Abel, the first children of Adam and Eve. Cain was a farmer and Abel was a shepherd. Abel’s offerings were looked on with favor by God, but Cain’s were not. Cain was angry and ended up killing Abel.

An interesting part of the story written in the bible before Cain kills Abel is in Genesis 4:6,7. “Then the Lord said to Cain, ‘why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” NIV

The lesson for us is that we need to strive to do what is right. When we do not, we are making ourselves more vulnerable to sin and temptation, which is “crouching at our door.” We are told to “rule over it” which we can do with God’s help.

Dear Lord, Help us stay on the right path, and strive to do what is right, so we can “rule over” the temptations to sin. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen

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